Test drive Kia Stinger

The first Korean Gran Turismo is not just fast and passionate. Tastefully crafted, it is a completely new side of the Korean brand that already exists regardless of the market success of the Stinger

Krasnodar tea, if we talk about the classic black mass price segment, is really good. A hundred years ago it was compared with Georgian, and not in favor of the latter. This is despite the fact that Krasnodar was the first in Russia and the most northern type of tea in the world. In 1901, the mountain village of Solokhaul, where the breeder Koshman reconciled tea seeds with a harsh climate for culture, was reached by narrow horse trails. And today a rear-wheel drive fastback of the Kia brand flies along the twisted asphalt serpentine to Solohaul, which recently also seemed to be something impossible.

Among the many meanings of the word Stinger, from the translated "sting" to the name of the well-known rocket complex, there is also an alcoholic cocktail, which is made according to the Stir & Straine method - stir and strain. In the Kia Stinger, a lot of things that were not previously associated with the Korean brand were mixed at once, but the result was filtered qualitatively. The output turned out to be stylish, unusual and rather scorching, if we talk about the emotions of a person who finds himself behind the wheel.

By itself, the rear-wheel drive platform is nothing revolutionary - it is the same chassis on which the flagship Kia Quoris and Genesis models are built. The only question is how exactly it is packaged and served to the consumer, and this is the main surprise of the whole project. First, stylist Gregory Guillaume drew a squat five-door body with a sloping boot lid, very reminiscent of the shapes of British sports cars of yesteryear and especially impressive when viewed from the bottom of the car. That is why I want to apply the outdated term fastback to it, although it is rather a liftback or even just a hatchback.

Secondly, Stinger's driving manners were taught by Albert Bierman, who had previously taught how to drive BMW cars with the "M" nameplate - a top-level specialist to whom Koreans almost pray. And on the road to Solohaul, it becomes clear that all this is not in vain, because the Stinger goes completely rear-wheel drive, effectively and recklessly turning into turns with a slight stern turn and pleasant acceleration a little sideways, when the driver physically feels light stern pulls, but is not frightened , but presses on the gas even harder to intensify and prolong these sensations.

A two-liter turbo engine is normal, and when going uphill you do not experience a lack of traction at all. It is hard to believe in the stated 6 s to "hundreds", but the return from the motor is really almost instantaneous, and the dynamics in the limit may not be explosive, but very worthy. 8-speed "automatic" sometimes has to work hard, but it copes, and the transition from vegetable to racing mode occurs without delay. Like the updated Sorento Prime, the fastback lets you change unit modes, and the sporty one is of course the most striking.

If the two-liter Stinger is just good, then the car with the GT nameplate and the 6 hp V370 engine. also extremely emotional. It is almost a hundred kilograms heavier, and a significant part of this difference falls on the front axle, so it is harder to adjust it in fast turns, but the dynamics of lumbago between turns is worth it - between the “hairpins” the Stinger GT flies in short shots, spending almost the same amount of time on braking , how much for overclocking. And the sound is quite good - not only does the "six" sound as it should in afterburner mode, but also the sound simposer in the cabin helps as much as it can.

All of the above is true for the all-wheel drive versions, although by default the drivetrain doesn't use the front wheels too hard. But on slippery asphalt after a light rain, the assistance of the front axle cannot be underestimated, as well as the work of the safety electronics - relying on it, you can really reap from the heart, adjusted for the weight and considerable dimensions of the car.

And also - on the expectations of passengers, who already feel a little deprived in the fastback. The back row here is suitable for short walks, but traveling long distances in the Gran Turismo style will no longer be so comfortable: a low roof, a high tunnel and a not too loose landing in the sense of being able to collapse in a relaxed position. Everything is more clear for the driver: a low, almost racing position, a comfortable steering wheel, very creative instruments and a laconic restrained style that does not distract from the enjoyment of the road at all.

By the way, there will be almost no rear-wheel drive Stinger in Russia, except for two basic versions in initial trim levels, costing up to $ 25. They are very attractive as entrance, and even more so for southern regions with mild winters. The difference is that the most affordable car is also equipped with a derated 901 hp engine, but you can live with it just as beautifully, gathering crowds of onlookers with mobile phones.

This is another feature of the Kia brand, which was mixed in an unexpectedly large dose into the Stinger cocktail. Traveling beautifully is about him, and it doesn't matter where exactly: to the carefully kept Koshman's hut in Solokhaul or to the expensive hotels of Krasnaya Polyana resorts along the smooth canvas of the new Olympic track.

Body type	Hatchback	Hatchback
dimensions (length / width / height), mm	4830/1870/1400	4830/1870/1400
Wheelbase, mm	2905	2905
Curb weight, kg	1898	1971
engine's type	Gasoline, R4 turbo	Gasoline, V6
Working volume, cubic meters cm	1998	3342
Power, hp with. at rpm	247 at 6200	370 at 6000
Max. cool. moment, Nm at rpm	353 at 1400-4000	510 at 1300-4500
Transmission, drive	8-st. Automatic gearbox, full	8-st. Automatic gearbox, full
Maksim. speed, km / h	240	270
Acceleration to 100 km / h, from	6,0	4,9
Fuel consumption (city / highway / mixed), l	12,7/7,2/9,2	15,4/7,96/10,6
Cargo space, l	406-1158	406-1158
Price from, $.	27 312	41 810